Police were made aware of the scheme last month, when an 18-year-old who had flown to Turkey to have her kidney removed returned to Israel after changing her mind about the surgery. Her parents filed a complaint with Beersheva police.

The young women were introduced to the would-be recipients to form an emotional bond and thus ensure their cooperation, Ynet reported. Many of the women interviewed for the investigation said they did not receive money for their act, though police believe they did receive payment in cash.